By Kristen Daly

 

Come on Barbie, let’s go party! 

Here at Showpo we love a power colour, so of course we can’t resist the shade everyone’s talking about right now: bright, bold, Barbiecore pink.

What is Barbiecore?

The trend kicked off with Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, who in March sent almost fifty fabulous fuchsia looks down the runway as part of his Valentino Pink collection. Since then, a who’s who of celebrities - from Anne Hathaway to Lizzo to Lewis Hamilton to Zendaya - have sported Piccioli’s pink pieces.

But it wasn’t until Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were pictured in hot pink on the set of director Greta Gerwig’s upcoming live-action Barbie movie that the term Barbiecore really picked up speed. Move over musky millennial pink - the pink look causing a sensation for this generation is fun, feminine and highly saturated, just like the clothes, makeup and accessories of the iconic miss Barbie Doll herself.

One really fun aspect of the Barbiecore trend, aside from its obvious look-at-me quality, is its surprising versatility. After all, Barbie doesn’t wear just one shade of pink; hotter pinks like Valentino fuchsia and raspberry-tinged magenta are some of her favourites, as is girly bubblegum. The trend also covers clothing styles as well as colour, with nods to Barbie's many wardrobe hits from ball gowns to matching sets.

Our takeaway? If it’s inspired by the plastic-fantastic, hyper-femme world of Barbie, and channels the joie de vivre of being out and about in 2022 - it’s Barbiecore. And we have so many pieces in a diverse range of sizes for you to wear, your way.

As Aqua’s pop classic puts it: "imagination, life is your creation."

 

Glam Gowns

First stop? Glamorous formal dresses and pink dresses. The Barbiecore aesthetic for fancy events is all about A-line or body-skimming silhouettes, pretty puffs of tulle and, of course, pink palettes.

Pictured: Reviena Cut Out Maxi Dress in Hot Pink

Dressy Minis

Can I hear a little commotion for the dress? Channel Barbie for your next birthday party or cocktail event with a bodycon mini dress, like our popular strapless Brailey style, or an A-line frock with puff sleeves.

Pictured: Brailey Strapless Mini Dress in Pink Jacquard

Pictured: Zyla Puff Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress in Berry

Bralettes and Halters

Barbiecore fashion involves many femme classics, like sweeping gowns, party mini dresses and preppy sets… but there’s also room for a H.O.T. sequin halter or satin bralette. In pink, ofc!

Pictured: Vision Sequin Cropped Top in Pink

Pictured: Mejila Triangle Bralette Top in Hot Pink Satin, styled with the Hanica Diamante Mesh Long Sleeve Maxi Dress in Neon Pink

Itty Bitty Skirts

Another Barbiecore 2022 must-have? A pink mini skirt, duh! Choose one in pale pink tweed with a co-ord jacket (so Barbie), or go for an even shorter shape in a neon-hot hue.

Pictured: Dianne Tweed Check High Waisted Fitted Mini Skirt in Pink, styled with the Dianne Tweed Check Tailored Double Breasted Blazer in Pink

Pictured: Ronella Micro Mini Skirt in Pink

Sweet Tops

A pink top is such an easy way into the Barbiecore trend. Wear a slinky cropped number with retro vibes (see our Dolly Top below!) with a midi skirt or jeans, or go for a dreamy corset style.

Pictured: Dolly Button Up Slinky Short Sleeve Crop Top in Hot Pink

Pictured: Minash Corset Style Puff Seeve Top in Pink

Statement Pants

A Barbiecore queen (or king) wears the pants. This season, say yes please to our pink plisse Beca Pants, or our leatherette Dilyenne Pants - matching strapless corset included.

Pictured: Beca Plisse Flared Pants in Pink

Pictured: Dilyenne High Waist Straight Leg Faux Leather Pants in Hot Pink, styled with the Lorrin Faux Leather Cropped Corset in Hot Pink

Daytime Dresses

Not every Barbiecore outfit is for parties and nights out. Look cute for your next brunch date or summer holiday in a lightweight dress with girly details like ruffles, or an oversized button-up shirt thrown over the top.

Pictured: Wilda Shirred Tiered Mini Dress in Pink Check

Pictured: Francoise Long Sleeve Wrap Mini Dress in Pink

Cute Summer Sets

Want to stay comfy and cool without wearing a sundress? We have a look for that too! Glide through the warmer months in a chic button-up shirt and matching mini skirt or short.

Pretty Pant Sets

On the topic of relaxed elegance, we can't resist a tailored pant set, in pink! Stand out at your next semi-dressy ‘do in our bestselling tweed Adelaide Set or bubblegum pink Elibeth Set.

Pictured: Adelaide Two Piece Set in Pink

Pictured: The wide leg pants in the Elibeth Two Piece Set in Bubblegum Pink, styled with the Terah Shirt in Pink

Femme Fringe

Another trend that’s super hot right now is fringing, and it looks so major teamed with pink. Turn heads at your next party or event in a fringed fuchsia dress or steal every spotlight in our Amalie Skirt Set.

Pictured: Amalee Fringe Strapless Crop Top and Midi Skirt Two Piece Set in Pink

Pictured: Rholie Plunge Neck Fringe Hem Fixed Wrap Midi Dress in Pink

Silky Satin

Statement hot pink + lush satin = a Barbiecore look that’s hard to beat. Keep your outfit fresh with other crisp white pieces, or accessories in a contrasting green.

Pictured: Kristelle Low Back Halter Mini Dress in Hot Pink

Pictured: Kristelle High Waist Wide Leg Palazzo Pants in Hot Pink

Bikini Babe

If we’re talking Barbiecore, we have to count a ‘kini! Be the quintessential beach babe in a pink string triangle bikini set, or dial up the summer drama with a mini swim skirt.

Pictured: Lahana - Amara Ribbed Triangle Bikini Top in Spicy Pink and the Lahana - Amara Cheeky High Waisted Tie Side Bikini Bottom in Spicy Pink

Pictured: VDM The Label - Natalie Skirt in Bubblegum Gingham

Pumps and Platforms

Don’t forget footwear! Be like Barbie and opt for a pump or platform heel, reimagined with new-season details like diamantes, sheer vinyl finishes and extra chunky proportions.

Pictured: Novo - Zaguar Heels in Pink

Pictured: Tony Bianco - Lazer Heels in Pink Vinylite/Pink Nappa

Final Touches

Accessorise, baby. Whether you’re layering pink on pink for your ‘fit or just want a single pop of Barbiecore, our pink sunglasses, mini bags and more won’t fail you.

Pictured: Peta and Jain - Rue Sunglasses in Pink

Pictured: Billini - Lorna Bag in Fuchsia 

To (mis)quote Mean Girls, we say on Wednesdays - and every other day - we wear pink. Embrace its enduring power and release your inner Barbie with Showpo!

Shop our Barbiecore edit.